braces Definition

brace
noun braces

1. A device, usually made from metal, which supports, strengthens or holds two things together. Often in compounds.

Example: wall brace
Example: orthopaedic brace
Thesaurus: support, prop, bolster, stay, beam, truss, girder, strut, buttress, stanchion.
(Brit)
2. Straps worn over the shoulders, for holding trousers up. US equivalent suspenders.

Form: braces
3. A wire device worn on the teeth (usually a child's teeth) to straighten them.
4. building etc.
A tool used by carpenters and metalworkers to hold a bit² and enable it to be rotated (see also brace and bit).
5. printing.
Either of two symbols ({ or }) used to connect lines, figures, staves of music, parts of text, etc, indicating that they are to be taken together (compare bracket noun 1, parenthesis).
brace
6. A pair or couple, especially of game birds.
7. naut.
A rope attached to a ship's yard, used for adjusting the sails. See also mainbrace.

verb braced, bracing

1. To make something tight or stronger, usually by supporting it in some way.

Thesaurus: prop, bolster, fortify, support, shore up, reinforce, hearten, uphold, encourage.
2. To prepare and steady oneself for a blow or shock, etc

Example: Here comes the bump, so brace yourself!
Form: brace oneself (usually)
3. To tone up, stimulate or invigorate someone. See also bracing.

Example: braced by the crisp November day

Derivative: bracer
noun

Etymology: 14c, meaning ‘a pair of arms': from Latin brachium arm.